Direct-to-brain broadcasting?

May 3, 2005

Sony has developed and patented a new technology for transmitting sensory data directly into the human brain.

According to an article in the New Scientist journal, the non-invasive technique involves a device that fires pulses of ultrasound at the head to modify synaptic firing patterns in targeted parts of the brain, creating "sensory experiences" ranging from moving images to tastes and sounds.

Sony first submitted a patent application for the ultrasound method in 2000, which was granted in March 2003. Since then Sony has filed a series of continuations, most recently in December 2004. Sony describes the research as speculative.